Jerry Collins former All Black and his wife Alana Madill have died in a car accident

Jerry Collins former All Black and his wife Alana Madill have die in a car accident in France, with their daughter in a crucial condition in hospital.

Reports in France say a bus was in collision with the couple's car in the early hours of Friday.

Collins, 34, made his debut for new Zealand in 2001 and won 48 caps. The ex-Ospreys flanker had been playing for French side Narbonne.

The All Blacks said on Twitter they are “shocked and saddened” by the news.

The Collins was described as the "Jonah Lomu of the forwards" by World Cup-winning England scrum-half Matt Dawson.

Wales and Ospreys scrum-half Rhys Webb said it was “devastating news” to know about the demise of "a true rugby legend".

Rodney So'oialo, his mate, tweeted: "Very sad day to hear a team-mate, and our very good friend Jerry Collins has passed."

Britain's 2003 World Cup-winning winger Ben Cohen tweeted: "So so sad. Can't believe that Jerry Collins and partner Alana died in car crash in France - RIP."

Collins began his career at Wellington in the National Provincial Championship and also played for the city's Super Rugby outfit Hurricanes.

Famous for his bleach- blonde hair and tough tackling, he made his All Blacks debut against Argentina in Christchurch in 2001.

He captained the side three times and played for New Zealand at the 2003 and 2007 World Cups.

His last match for the All Blacks was the 2007 World Cup quarter-final defeat to France in Cardiff.

He declared his universal retirement in 2008 and went ahead to join French Top 14 side Toulon before moving to Wales to play for Ospreys in 2009.

The Samoa-born back-rower put in two years in Japan playing for Yamaha Jubilo, from 2011-2013, before joining French second-level side Narbonne in January 2015.

"I spoke with Rocky Elsom, the Australian manager of Narbonne, and he was clearly still in shock at the news," Radio New Zealand news editor Tony Vale told BBC Radio 5 live.

"I also spoke to the club president, Anthony Hill, and he told me that they were still trying to come to terms with the news. He said Collins basically saved the club."

Narbonne completed one spot over the relegation zone in France's second division last season, having been in the relegation places toward the start of February.